A network coding method and apparatus

Abstract

This application discloses a network coding method and apparatus. It includes: an SMF entity acquiring first time information; sending first indication information to a User Plane Function (UPF) entity, the first indication information including the first time information, the first indication information being used to determine the critical moment for each data packet in at least one data packet sent by a first end station, the critical moment being used to indicate the latest waiting time for network coding of each data packet. Alternatively, a CNC and / or CUC acquires the first time information; determines an adjusted packet transmission time based on the first time information; and sends the adjusted packet transmission time to the first end station, the adjusted packet transmission time being used to instruct the first end station to send the first data packet. Using this application embodiment avoids data packets exceeding latency limits due to excessively long waiting times, thereby improving data transmission efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of wireless network technology, and in particular to a network coding method and apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] In a dual-user equipment (UE) communication scenario combining multicast and network coding with 5G and time-sensitive network (TSN) technologies, End Station 1 and End Station 2 communicate via a 5G System (5GS) Bridge. End Station 1 sends data packet 1 to End Station 2, and End Station 2 sends data packet 1 to End Station 1. Data packets 1 and 1 from End Station 1 and End Station 2 are then encoded (e.g., XOR) at a network coding node, and the encoded data packets are then multicast to both End Station 1 and End Station 2. End Station 1 and End Station 2 then perform corresponding decoding operations to obtain the data packets sent by the other end. However, the network coding node needs to wait for both data packets 1 and 1 from End Station 1 to arrive before performing the XOR operation, which can lead to long waiting times and low data transmission efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a network coding method and apparatus that avoids data packets exceeding latency limits due to excessive waiting time, thereby improving data transmission efficiency.

[0004] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a network coding method, comprising: a Session Management Function (SMF) entity acquiring first time information; and sending first indication information to a User Plane Function (UPF) entity, the first indication information including the first time information, the first indication information being used to determine a critical moment for each data packet in at least one data packet sent by a first end station, the critical moment being used to indicate the latest waiting time for network coding of each data packet. By instructing the UPF entity through the SMF entity to determine the critical moment for each data packet of End Station 1, and deciding whether to wait for data packets from End Station 2 based on the critical moment, the method avoids data packets exceeding latency limits due to excessive waiting time, thereby improving data transmission efficiency.

[0005] In one possible design, the first time information includes the Burst Arrival Time (BAT), Packet Delay Budget (PDB), and the period T for the first End Station to send data packets. The BAT represents the moment when the first data packet in the at least one data packet leaves the first terminal device, and the PDB represents the delay budget of data packets in the Quality of Service (QoS) flow between the first terminal device and the UPF entity. The SMF entity determines the critical moment for each data packet by obtaining the first time information locally.

[0006] In another possible design, the critical moment of the Nth data packet in the at least one data packet = the BAT + the PDB + (N-1) * the T, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0007] In another possible design, the first time information includes the transmission time of the first data packet in the at least one data packet, a delay threshold, and the period T of the data packet transmission from the first End Station, wherein the delay threshold represents the upper limit of the delay for the data packet to travel from the first End Station to the second End Station.

[0008] In another possible design, the SMF entity receives the first timing information sent by the centralized network configuration controller (CNC). The SMF entity determines the critical moment for each data packet by obtaining the first timing information from the CNC.

[0009] In another possible design, the critical moment of the Mth data packet in the at least one data packet = the sending moment of the first data packet + the delay threshold / 2 + (M-1) * T, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0010] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a network coding method, comprising: a User Plane Function (UPF) entity receiving first indication information sent by a Session Management Function (SMF) entity, the first indication information including first time information; determining a critical moment for each data packet in at least one data packet sent by a first End Station based on the first time information; and performing network coding on each data packet based on the critical moment. By instructing the UPF entity through the SMF entity to determine the critical moment for each data packet of End Station 1, and deciding whether to wait for data packets from End Station 2 based on the critical moment, the method avoids data packets exceeding latency limits due to excessive waiting time, thereby improving data transmission efficiency.

[0011] In one possible design, the first time information includes burst arrival time (BAT), packet delay budget (PDB), and the period T for the first End Station to send data packets. The BAT is used to indicate the time when the first data packet in the at least one data packet leaves the first terminal device, and the PDB is used to indicate the delay budget of the data packets in the Quality of Service (QoS) stream between the first terminal device and the UPF entity.

[0012] In another possible design, the critical moment of the Nth data packet in the at least one data packet = the BAT + the PDB + (N-1) * the T, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0013] In another possible design, the first time information includes the transmission time of the first data packet in the at least one data packet, a delay threshold, and the period T of the data packet transmission from the first End Station, wherein the delay threshold represents the upper limit of the delay for the data packet to travel from the first End Station to the second End Station.

[0014] In another possible design, the critical moment of the Mth data packet in the at least one data packet = the sending moment of the first data packet + the delay threshold / 2 + (M-1) * T, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0015] In another possible design, when the time it takes for the i-th data packet sent by the first End Station to wait for the arrival of the data packet sent by the second End Station does not exceed the critical time of the i-th data packet, the UPF entity performs network encoding on the i-th data packet and the data packet of the second End Station, where i is an integer greater than or equal to 1. The critical time determines whether to wait for the data packet of End Station 2, avoiding the data packet exceeding the delay limit due to excessive waiting time, thereby improving the efficiency of data transmission.

[0016] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a network coding method, including: a centralized network configuration controller (CNC) and / or a centralized user configuration controller (CUC) acquiring first time information; determining an adjusted packet transmission time based on the first time information; and sending the adjusted packet transmission time to a first end station, wherein the adjusted packet transmission time is used to instruct the first end station to send a first data packet. By adjusting the transmission time of the first data packet at the first end station to align with the transmission time of the second data packet at the second end station, data packets are prevented from exceeding latency limits due to excessive waiting time, thereby improving data transmission efficiency.

[0017] In one possible design, the first time information includes the delay ED1 of the first data packet sent by the first End Station from the first End Station to the first device-side delay-sensitive network converter (DS-TT), the delay ED2 of the second data packet sent by the second End Station from the second End Station to the second DS-TT, the duration UE_DS_TT1 of the first data packet residing in the first DS-TT and the first terminal device, the duration UE_DS_TT2 of the second data packet residing in the second DS-TT and the second terminal device, the original packet transmission time TPT1 of the first data packet, and the packet transmission time TPT2 of the second data packet. The CNC determines the adjusted packet transmission time by obtaining the first time information locally.

[0018] In another possible design, the adjusted packet transmission time = ED2 + UE_DS_TT2 + TPT2 - UE_DS_TT1 - ED1.

[0019] In another possible design, the first timing information includes an adjustment amount. The adjusted packet transmission time is determined by obtaining the adjustment amount from the SMF entity.

[0020] In another possible design, the CNC and / or CUC receives a first request from the Session Management Function (SMF) entity, the first request including the adjustment amount, and the first indication information being used to request the CNC to adjust the timing of the first End Station sending the first data packet.

[0021] In another possible design, the adjustment amount = (BAT2-BAT1)*clock frequency ratio, where BAT2 is the time when the first data packet of the second End Station leaves the second terminal device, and BAT1 is the time when the first data packet of the first End Station leaves the first terminal device.

[0022] In another possible design, the adjusted packet sending time = the original packet sending time of the first data packet + the adjustment amount.

[0023] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a network coding method, including: an SMF entity determining an adjustment amount; sending a first request to a centralized network configuration controller (CNC) and / or a centralized user configuration controller (CUC), the first request including the adjustment amount, the first request being used to request the CNC to adjust the timing of the first data packet sent by the first End Station. By adjusting the sending timing of the first data packet from the first End Station to align with the sending timing of the second data packet from the second End Station, delay limits are avoided due to excessively long waiting times, thereby improving data transmission efficiency.

[0024] In one possible design, the adjustment amount = (BAT2 - BAT1) * clock frequency ratio, where BAT2 is the time when the first data packet of the second End Station leaves the second terminal device, and BAT1 is the time when the first data packet of the first End Station leaves the first terminal device.

[0025] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide a network coding method, comprising: a first end station receiving an adjusted packet transmission time sent by a centralized network configuration controller (CNC) and / or a centralized user configuration controller (CUC); and the first end station transmitting a first data packet according to the adjusted packet transmission time. By adjusting the transmission time of the first data packet of the first end station to align with the transmission time of the second data packet of the second end station, the delay limit is avoided due to excessive waiting time, thereby improving the efficiency of data transmission.

[0026] Sixthly, embodiments of this application provide a network coding method, comprising: a Session Management Function (SMF) entity acquiring first time information; and sending first indication information to a Radio Access Network (RAN) device, the first indication information including the first time information, the first indication information being used to determine a critical moment for each data packet in at least one data packet sent by a first End Station, the critical moment being used to indicate the latest waiting time for network coding of each data packet. By instructing the RAN device through the SMF entity to determine the critical moment for each data packet of End Station 1, and deciding whether to wait for data packets from End Station 2 based on the critical moment, the method avoids data packets exceeding the latency limit due to excessive waiting time, thereby improving data transmission efficiency.

[0027] In one possible design, the SMF entity receives a first request from the centralized network configuration controller (CNC), the first request including the first time information, the first request being used to request the determination of the critical moment for each data packet.

[0028] In another possible design, the first time information includes the burst arrival time (BAT), the first packet delay budget (PDB), the second PDB, and the period T for the first End Station to send data packets. The BAT is used to indicate the time when the first data packet in the at least one data packet leaves the first terminal device. The first PDB is used to indicate the delay budget of the data packets in the QoS flow of the first terminal device between the first terminal device and the User Plane Function (UPF) entity. The second PDB is used to indicate the delay budget of the data packets in the QoS flow of the second terminal device between the UPF entity and the RAN device.

[0029] In another possible design, the critical moment of the Kth data packet in the at least one data packet = the BAT + the first PDB + the second PDB + (K-1) * the T, where K is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0030] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this application provide a network coding method, comprising: a Radio Access Network (RAN) device receiving first indication information sent by a Session Management Function (SMF) entity, the first indication information including first time information; determining a critical moment for each data packet in at least one data packet sent by a first End Station based on the first time information; and performing network coding on each data packet based on the critical moment. By instructing the RAN device through the SMF entity to determine the critical moment for each data packet of End Station 1, and deciding whether to wait for data packets from End Station 2 based on the critical moment, the method avoids data packets exceeding latency limits due to excessive waiting time, thereby improving data transmission efficiency.

[0031] In another possible design, the first time information includes the burst arrival time (BAT), the first packet delay budget (PDB), the second PDB, and the period T for the first End Station to send data packets. The BAT is used to indicate the time when the first data packet in the at least one data packet leaves the first terminal device. The first PDB is used to indicate the delay budget of the data packets in the QoS flow of the first terminal device between the first terminal device and the User Plane Function (UPF) entity. The second PDB is used to indicate the delay budget of the data packets in the QoS flow of the second terminal device between the UPF entity and the RAN device.

[0032] In another possible design, the critical moment of the Kth data packet in the at least one data packet = the BAT + the first PDB + the second PDB + (K-1) * the T, where K is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0033] In another possible design, when the time it takes for the j-th data packet sent by the first End Station to wait for the arrival of the data packet sent by the second End Station does not exceed the critical time of the j-th data packet, the RAN device performs network encoding on the j-th data packet and the data packet of the second End Station, where j is an integer greater than or equal to 1. By determining whether to wait for the data packet from End Station 2 using the critical time, the delay limit is avoided due to excessively long waiting times, thereby improving data transmission efficiency.

[0034] Eighthly, embodiments of this application provide a network coding apparatus, including:

[0035] The acquisition module is used to acquire information in real time.

[0036] The sending module is used to send first indication information to the User Plane Function (UPF) entity. The first indication information includes the first time information. The first indication information is used to determine the critical moment of each data packet in at least one data packet sent by the first end node (End Station). The critical moment is used to indicate the latest waiting time for network encoding of each data packet.

[0037] In one possible design, the first time information includes burst arrival time (BAT), packet delay budget (PDB), and the period T for the first End Station to send data packets. The BAT is used to indicate the time when the first data packet in the at least one data packet leaves the first terminal device, and the PDB is used to indicate the delay budget of the data packets in the Quality of Service (QoS) stream between the first terminal device and the UPF entity.

[0038] In another possible design, the critical moment of the Nth data packet in the at least one data packet = the BAT + the PDB + (N-1) * the T, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0039] In another possible design, the first time information includes the transmission time of the first data packet in the at least one data packet, a delay threshold, and the period T of the data packet transmission from the first End Station, wherein the delay threshold represents the upper limit of the delay for the data packet to travel from the first End Station to the second End Station.

[0040] In another possible design, the acquisition module is also used to receive the first time information sent by the centralized network configuration controller (CNC).

[0041] In another possible design, the critical moment of the Mth data packet in the at least one data packet = the sending moment of the first data packet + the delay threshold / 2 + (M-1) * T, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0042] The operation and beneficial effects of the network coding device can be found in the method and beneficial effects described in the first aspect above, and will not be repeated here.

[0043] Ninthly, embodiments of this application provide a network coding apparatus, comprising:

[0044] The receiving module is used to receive first indication information sent by the Session Management Function (SMF) entity, wherein the first indication information includes the first time information;

[0045] The processing module is configured to determine, based on the first time information, the critical moment of each data packet in at least one data packet sent by the first end station; and to perform network encoding on each data packet based on the critical moment.

[0046] In another possible design, the first time information includes burst arrival time (BAT), packet delay budget (PDB), and period T for the first End Station to send data packets. The BAT is used to indicate the moment when the first data packet in the at least one data packet leaves the first terminal device, and the PDB is used to indicate the delay budget of the data packets in the Quality of Service (QoS) stream between the first terminal device and the UPF entity.

[0047] In another possible design, the critical moment of the Nth data packet in the at least one data packet = the BAT + the PDB + (N-1) * the T, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0048] In another possible design, the first time information includes the transmission time of the first data packet in the at least one data packet, a delay threshold, and the period T of the data packet transmission from the first End Station, wherein the delay threshold represents the upper limit of the delay for the data packet to travel from the first End Station to the second End Station.

[0049] In another possible design, the critical moment of the Mth data packet in the at least one data packet = the sending moment of the first data packet + the delay threshold / 2 + (M-1) * T, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0050] In another possible design, the processing module is further configured to perform network encoding on the i-th data packet and the data packet of the second End Station when the time when the i-th data packet in the at least one data packet sent by the first End Station waits for the arrival of the data packet sent by the second End Station does not exceed the critical time of the i-th data packet, where i is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0051] The operation and beneficial effects of the network coding device can be found in the method and beneficial effects described in the second aspect above, and will not be repeated here.

[0052] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a network coding apparatus, comprising:

[0053] The acquisition module is used to acquire information in real time.

[0054] The processing module is used to determine the adjusted packet transmission time based on the first time information; the sending module is used to send the adjusted packet transmission time to the first end station, wherein the adjusted packet transmission time is used to instruct the first end station to send the first data packet.

[0055] In another possible design, the first time information includes the delay ED1 of the first data packet sent by the first End Station from the first End Station to the first device-side delay-sensitive network converter DS-TT, the delay ED2 of the second data packet sent by the second End Station from the second End Station to the second DS-TT, the duration UE_DS_TT1 of the first data packet residing in the first DS-TT and the first terminal device, the duration UE_DS_TT2 of the second data packet residing in the second DS-TT and the second terminal device, the original packet sending time TPT1 of the first data packet, and the packet sending time TPT2 of the second data packet.

[0056] In another possible design, the adjusted packet transmission time = ED2 + UE_DS_TT2 + TPT2 - UE_DS_TT1 - ED1.

[0057] In another possible design, the first time information includes the adjustment amount.

[0058] In another possible design, the acquisition module is further configured to receive a first request sent by the Session Management Function (SMF) entity, the first request including the adjustment amount, and the first indication information being used to request the CNC to adjust the timing of the first End Station sending the first data packet.

[0059] In another possible design, the adjustment amount = (BAT2-BAT1)*clock frequency ratio, where BAT2 is the time when the first data packet of the second End Station leaves the second terminal device, and BAT1 is the time when the first data packet of the first End Station leaves the first terminal device.

[0060] In another possible design, the adjusted packet sending time = the original packet sending time of the first data packet + the adjustment amount.

[0061] The operation and beneficial effects of the network coding device can be found in the method and beneficial effects described in the third aspect above, and will not be repeated here.

[0062] In one aspect, embodiments of this application provide a network coding apparatus, comprising:

[0063] The processing module is used to determine the adjustment amount;

[0064] The sending module is configured to send a first request to a centralized network configuration controller (CNC) and / or a centralized user configuration controller (CUC), the first request including the adjustment amount, the first request being used to request the CNC to adjust the timing at which the first End Station sends the first data packet.

[0065] In another possible design, the adjustment amount = (BAT2-BAT1)*clock frequency ratio, where BAT2 is the time when the first data packet of the second End Station leaves the second terminal device, and BAT1 is the time when the first data packet of the first End Station leaves the first terminal device.

[0066] The operation and beneficial effects of this network coding device can be found in the method and beneficial effects described in the fourth aspect above, and will not be repeated here.

[0067] In a twelfth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a network coding apparatus, including:

[0068] The receiving module is used to receive the adjusted packet transmission time sent by the centralized network configuration controller (CNC) and / or the centralized user configuration controller (CUC).

[0069] The processing module is used to send the first data packet according to the adjusted packet sending time.

[0070] The operation and beneficial effects of this network coding device can be found in the method and beneficial effects described in the fifth aspect above, and will not be repeated here.

[0071] In a thirteenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a network coding apparatus, comprising:

[0072] The acquisition module is used to acquire information in real time.

[0073] The transmitting module is configured to transmit first indication information to a radio access network (RAN) device. The first indication information includes first time information. The first indication information is used to determine the critical moment of each data packet in at least one data packet transmitted by a first end station. The critical moment is used to indicate the latest waiting time for network coding of each data packet.

[0074] In another possible design, the acquisition module is further configured to receive a first request sent by the centralized network configuration controller (CNC), the first request including the first time information, the first request being used to request the determination of the critical moment of each data packet.

[0075] In another possible design, the first time information includes the burst arrival time (BAT), the first packet delay budget (PDB), the second PDB, and the period T for the first End Station to send data packets. The BAT is used to indicate the time when the first data packet in the at least one data packet leaves the first terminal device. The first PDB is used to indicate the delay budget of the data packets in the QoS flow of the first terminal device between the first terminal device and the UPF entity. The second PDB is used to indicate the delay budget of the data packets in the QoS flow of the second terminal device between the UPF entity and the RAN device.

[0076] In another possible design, the critical moment of the Kth data packet in the at least one data packet = the BAT + the first PDB + the second PDB + (K-1) * the T, where K is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0077] The operation and beneficial effects of the network coding device can be found in the method and beneficial effects described in the sixth aspect above, and will not be repeated here.

[0078] In a fourteenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a network coding apparatus, comprising:

[0079] The receiving module is used to receive first indication information sent by the Session Management Function (SMF) entity, wherein the first indication information includes the first time information.

[0080] The processing module is configured to determine, based on the first time information, the critical moment of each data packet in at least one data packet sent by the first end station; and to perform network encoding on each data packet based on the critical moment.

[0081] In another possible design, the first time information includes the burst arrival time (BAT), the first packet delay budget (PDB), the second PDB, and the period T for the first End Station to send data packets. The BAT is used to indicate the time when the first data packet in the at least one data packet leaves the first terminal device. The first PDB is used to indicate the delay budget of the data packets in the QoS flow of the first terminal device between the first terminal device and the User Plane Function (UPF) entity. The second PDB is used to indicate the delay budget of the data packets in the QoS flow of the second terminal device between the UPF entity and the RAN device.

[0082] In another possible design, the critical moment of the Kth data packet in the at least one data packet = the BAT + the first PDB + the second PDB + (K-1) * the T, where K is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0083] In another possible design, the processing module is further configured to perform network encoding on the j-th data packet and the data packet of the second End Station when the time when the j-th data packet in at least one data packet sent by the first End Station waits for the arrival of the data packet sent by the second End Station does not exceed the critical time of the j-th data packet, where j is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0084] The operation and beneficial effects of the network coding device can be found in the method and beneficial effects described in the seventh aspect above, and will not be repeated here.

[0085] In a fifteenth aspect, this application provides a network coding apparatus. This apparatus can be an SMF entity, a device within an SMF entity, or a device compatible with an SMF entity. The network coding apparatus can also be a chip system. This network coding apparatus can perform the methods described in the first, fourth, and sixth aspects above. The functions of the network coding apparatus can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the aforementioned functions. These modules can be software and / or hardware. The operations performed by the network coding apparatus and its beneficial effects are described in the first, fourth, and sixth aspects above, and will not be repeated here.

[0086] In a sixteenth aspect, this application provides a network coding apparatus, which may be a UPF entity, a device within a UPF entity, or a device compatible with a UPF entity. The network coding apparatus may also be a chip system. The network coding apparatus can perform the methods described in the second aspect above. The functions of the network coding apparatus can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions. These modules can be software and / or hardware. The operations performed by the network coding apparatus and its beneficial effects are described in the second aspect above, and will not be repeated here.

[0087] In its seventeenth aspect, this application provides a network coding device, which can be a CNC machine, a device within a CNC machine, or a device compatible with a CNC machine. The network coding device can also be a chip system. The network coding device can perform the methods described in the third aspect above. The functions of the network coding device can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions. These modules can be software and / or hardware. The operations performed by the network coding device and its beneficial effects are described in the third aspect above, and will not be repeated here.

[0088] Eighteenthly, this application provides a network coding apparatus, which can be an end station, a device within an end station, or a device compatible with an end station. The network coding apparatus can also be a chip system. The network coding apparatus can perform the methods described in the fifth aspect above. The functions of the network coding apparatus can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions. These modules can be software and / or hardware. The operations performed by the network coding apparatus and its beneficial effects are described in the fifth aspect above, and will not be repeated here.

[0089] In its nineteenth aspect, this application provides a network coding apparatus, which can be a RAN device, a device within a RAN device, or a device compatible with a RAN device. The network coding apparatus can also be a chip system. The network coding apparatus can perform the methods described in the seventh aspect above. The functions of the network coding apparatus can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions. These modules can be software and / or hardware. The operations performed by the network coding apparatus and its beneficial effects are described in the seventh aspect above, and will not be repeated here.

[0090] In a twentieth aspect, this application provides a network coding apparatus, the network coding apparatus including a processor, wherein when the processor invokes a computer program in memory, the method described in any one of the first to seventh aspects is executed.

[0091] In a twentieth aspect, this application provides a network coding apparatus, the network coding apparatus including a processor and a memory, the memory being used to store a computer program; the processor being used to execute the computer program stored in the memory to cause the network coding apparatus to perform the method as described in any one of the first to seventh aspects.

[0092] In a twentieth aspect, this application provides a network coding apparatus, the network coding apparatus comprising a processor, a memory, and a transceiver, the transceiver being configured to receive or transmit signals; the memory being configured to store a computer program; and the processor being configured to invoke the computer program from the memory to execute the method described in any one of the first to seventh aspects.

[0093] In a twentieth aspect, this application provides a network coding apparatus, the network coding apparatus including a processor and an interface circuit, the interface circuit being configured to receive a computer program and transmit it to the processor; the processor running the computer program to perform the method as described in any one of the first to seventh aspects.

[0094] In a twentieth aspect, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing a computer program that, when executed, causes the method described in any one of the first to seventh aspects to be implemented.

[0095] In a twentieth aspect, this application provides a computer program product including a computer program that, when executed, causes the method described in any one of the first to seventh aspects to be implemented.

[0096] In a twentieth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication system comprising a UPF entity, an SMF entity, a CNC, an End Station, and a RAN device, wherein the SMF entity is used to perform the method described in any one of the first, fourth, and sixth aspects; the UPF entity is used to perform the method described in any one of the second aspects; the CNC is used to perform the method described in any one of the third aspects; the End Station is used to perform the method described in any one of the fifth aspects; and the RAN device is used to perform the method described in any one of the seventh aspects.

[0097] In a twentieth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a chip or chip system including a processor for supporting a UPF entity, an SMF entity, a CNC, an End Station, or a RAN device to implement the functions involved in any of the embodiments of the first to seventh aspects described above. Attached Figure Description

[0098] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the background art, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments of this application or the background art will be described below.

[0099] Figure 1(A) is a schematic diagram of a 5G network architecture based on service-oriented interfaces;

[0100] Figure 1(B) is a schematic diagram of a 5G network architecture based on a point-to-point interface;

[0101] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating multicast;

[0102] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a two-way communication network encoding;

[0103] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a TSN framework;

[0104] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a system architecture where 5GS acts as a bridge for TSN;

[0105] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of dual-end UE communication combining 5G and TSN;

[0106] Figure 7(A) is a schematic diagram of packet waiting during network coding.

[0107] Figure 7(B) is a schematic diagram of another packet waiting situation when performing network coding;

[0108] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a network coding process provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0109] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a data packet transmission;

[0110] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of a network coding process provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0111] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of another type of data packet transmission;

[0112] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of a network coding process provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0113] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of a network coding process provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0114] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a network coding device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0115] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of another network coding device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0116] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of another network coding device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0117] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of another network coding device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0118] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a network coding device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0119] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an SMF entity provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0120] Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a UPF entity provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0121] Figure 21 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a RAN device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0122] Figure 22 This is a schematic diagram of a CNC structure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0123] Figure 23 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an End Station provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0124] The embodiments of this application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0125] The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) defines the Evolved Packet System (EPS). As shown in Figures 1(A) and 1(B), Figure 1(A) is a schematic diagram of a 5G network architecture based on a service-oriented interface, and Figure 1(B) is a schematic diagram of a 5G network architecture based on a point-to-point interface. A 5G network can be divided into three parts: user equipment (UE), data network (DN), and operator network.

[0126] The operator network may include one or more of the following entities: Authentication Server Function (AUSF), Network Exposure Function (NEF), Policy Control Function (PCF), Unified Data Management (UDM), Unified Data Repository (UDR), Network Repository Function (NRF), Application Function (AF), Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), Session Management Function (SMF), Radio Access Network ((R)AN) equipment, and User Plane Function (UPF). In the aforementioned operator network, all entities except the RAN can be referred to as the core network component.

[0127] UE can be a terminal device, such as a mobile phone or an IoT terminal device.

[0128] Radio access network (R)AN) devices are devices that provide wireless access for terminal devices, including but not limited to 5G base stations (next generation node B, gNB), wireless-fidelity (WiFi) access points (AP), and worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) base stations (BS).

[0129] The AMF entity is primarily responsible for mobility management in mobile networks, such as user location updates, user network registration, and user handover.

[0130] The SMF entity is primarily responsible for session management in mobile networks, such as session establishment, modification, and release. Specific functions include assigning IP addresses to users and selecting the UPF entity that provides packet forwarding capabilities.

[0131] The PCF entity is primarily responsible for providing policies to the AMF and SMF, such as Quality of Service (QoS) policies and slice selection policies.

[0132] UDM entities are used to store user data, such as contract information and authentication / authorization information.

[0133] Application function (AF) entities are primarily responsible for providing services to the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) network, such as influencing service routing and interacting with PCFs for policy control.

[0134] The AUSF entity is responsible for authorizing users to access the 5G network.

[0135] The NEF entity is responsible for providing access to 5G network capabilities and events, as well as receiving relevant external messages.

[0136] The UDR entity is responsible for providing storage capabilities for contract data, policy data, and capability-related data.

[0137] The NRF entity is responsible for providing the registration and discovery capabilities of network elements in the 5G network.

[0138] UPF entities are primarily responsible for processing user messages, such as forwarding and billing.

[0139] The data network (DN) is primarily responsible for providing data transmission services to users, such as IP multimedia service (IMS) and the Internet. The UE accesses the DN by establishing a session between the UE, RAN, UPF, and DN.

[0140] Multicast: A one-to-one communication mode between hosts. Hosts in the same group can receive all data within that group. Network switches and routers only copy and forward the required data to those in need. For example... Figure 2 As shown, Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating multicast. A host can request to join or leave a group from a router. Routers and switches in the network selectively copy and transmit data, meaning they only transmit group-specific data to hosts that have joined the group. This allows data to be transmitted to multiple hosts that need it (join the group) at once, while ensuring that other communications of hosts that do not need it (have not joined the group) are not affected. Multicast IP addresses are Class D IP addresses, ranging from 224.0.0.0 to 239.255.255.255.

[0141] like Figure 3 As shown, Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a two-way communication network coding scheme. Network coding is a technique that increases multicast network capacity by encoding received information through relay nodes. Phase 1: UE 1 and UE 2 each use one resource to send x1 and x2 to the network node (or relay node). Phase 2: The network node uses one resource to send the encoded data x to UE 1 and UE 2. c x c It is obtained by XORing x1 and x2. Third stage: UE1 receives x c Then, x c XORing x1 with x2 yields x2; UE2 receives x c Then, x c XORing x2 with x1 yields x1. Through this process, the base station saves transmission resources when sending x2 and x1 to UE1 and UE2 respectively, only sending x... c This will achieve the effect of sending x1 and x2 separately.

[0142] Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) was developed by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) to meet the latency and reliability requirements of industrial control. Based on audio-video bridging (AVB), it is characterized by time synchronization, deterministic latency, and high reliability, and operates at the data link layer. For example... Figure 4 As shown, Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a TSN framework. The TSN framework comprises four types of nodes: The Centralized User Configuration Controller (CUC): Collects flow creation requests from terminals in the TSN and interacts with the Centralized Network Configuration Controller (CNC) to create TSN flows. The CNC: Maintains network topology information and information about each switching node, plans data flow transmission paths and scheduling policies, and distributes these to each switching node. End Stations: The talking and listening devices for TSN flows. TSN Bridges: Report switching node capabilities and topology information to the CNC and schedule and forward data flows based on the rules issued by the CNC.

[0143] The TSN framework can execute the following process: First, topology discovery, reporting port capabilities, transmission latency, and internal processing latency. Second, the End Station sends a flow creation request to the CUC. Third, the CUC sends a flow creation request to the CNC. Fourth, the CNC calculates the scheduling and forwarding rules for each node and confirms them with the CUC. Fifth, the CUC sends the scheduling and forwarding rules to each node.

[0144] To truly enable industrial networks with 5G, 3GPP has deeply discussed and formulated solutions to support deterministic services on TSN in its standards. Deterministic services are characterized by periodicity, determinism, and fixed data size, while some services also have requirements for low latency and high reliability. For example... Figure 5 As shown, Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a system architecture where 5GS acts as a bridge for TSN. The 3GPP channel serves as the TSN bridge, transmitting data between different nodes within the TSN. The network-side TSN translator (NW-TT) is responsible for adapting the UPF entity to the TSN, completing the protocol conversion between the 5GS and TSN systems. The device-side TSN translator (DS-TT) is responsible for adapting the UE to the TSN terminal node, completing the protocol conversion between the 5GS and TSN systems. The AF entity is responsible for exchanging control information with the TSN control plane, used to generate QoS configurations, TSN scheduling configurations, etc.

[0145] 3GPP Release 17 enhanced support for TSN, including support for UE-to-UE TSN data transmission and time synchronization. For example... Figure 6 As shown, Figure 6This is a schematic diagram of dual-end UE communication combining 5G and TSN. A Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session is established between each DS-TT and the UPF entity. Port 1 on DS-TT 1, Port 2 on DS-TT 2, and Port 3 on NW-TT become ports of the 5GS Bridge. Possible port combinations include [Port 1, Port 2], [Port 1, Port 3], and [Port 2, Port 3]. End Station 1 generates a Time Sensitive Communication (TSC) service request (destination: End Station 2) and reports the TSC service request to the CUC. The CUC negotiates with the CNC, and the CNC determines, based on port information and bridge capabilities, that End Station 1 can communicate with End Station 2 via [Port 1, Port 2] on the 5GS Bridge. The CNC provides relevant information to the 5GS Bridge, namely, the CNC creates a TSN stream, configures the traffic class and TSN parameters, and sends it to the AF entity. The AF entity transmits the TSN parameters to the PCF entity (the AF entity makes the decision and provides the corresponding TSN parameters to the PDU session respectively), and the PCF entity maps the raffic class and TSN parameters to 3GPP QoS parameters. Among them, the time-related parameters obtained by the SMF entity include burst arrival time (BAT), period, UE-DS-TT dwell time and packet delay budget (PDB), etc.

[0146] In a dual-end user equipment (UE) communication scenario combining multicast and network coding with 5G and time-sensitive network (TSN) technologies, End Station 1 and End Station 2 communicate with each other via a 5GS Bridge. End Station 1 sends data packet 1 to End Station 2, and End Station 2 sends data packet 1 to End Station 1. Data packet 1 from End Station 1 and data packet 1 from End Station 2 undergo network coding operations (e.g., XOR operation) at the network coding node, and then the network-coded data packet is sent to End Station 1 and End Station 2 via multicast. End Station 1 and End Station 2 then perform corresponding decoding operations to obtain the data packet sent by the other end.

[0147] Figure 7(A) illustrates a packet waiting scenario during network coding. In normal cases, data packet 1 from End Station 1 arrives at the XOR node first, thus waiting for data packet 1 from End Station 2. Once both data packets 1 from End Station 1 and End Station 2 arrive at the XOR node, an XOR operation is performed on them to obtain the XOR data packet. This XOR data packet is then sent to End Station 1 and End Station 2 respectively. Figure 7(B) illustrates another packet waiting scenario during network coding. In a poor case, data packet 1 from End Station 1 arrives at the XOR node first. Because data packet 1 from End Station 2 arrives later, data packet 1 from End Station 1 needs to wait a longer time before the XOR operation can be performed. By the time the XOR data packet is sent to End Station 1, End Station 1 has already started sending data packet 2, and the waiting time has exceeded the latency limit.

[0148] like Figure 8 As shown, Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a network coding process provided in an embodiment of this application. The steps in this embodiment include at least:

[0149] In step S801, the UE / DS-TT sends a PDU session establishment request to the 5G core network, which then establishes a PDU session based on the request. After establishing the PDU session, the 5G core network reports 5GS bridge information to the AF entity.

[0150] The 5GS bridge information includes port management capabilities, DS-TT port number, bridge ID, etc.

[0151] Furthermore, the AF entity sends the first message to the TSN control plane (CUC / CNC).

[0152] The first information includes at least one of the following parameters: the duration of data packets residing in the DS-TT and terminal device (UE_DS_TT), the DS-TT's medium access control (MAC) address, port management capabilities, the DS-TT's port number, bridge identifier, the delay (txPropagation Delay) of data packets sent by the End Station to the corresponding DS-TT port, port neighbor information, etc.

[0153] S802, End station sends TSC service request to CUC.

[0154] The TSC service request includes the address of the End Station, the packet transmission time of the TSC service, the data packet transmission period, and the time delay threshold for the data packet to arrive at the second End Station 2 from End Station 1. CUC and CNC can negotiate to determine the port through which communication takes place.

[0155] S803, CNC configures the 5GS bridge via AF entity.

[0156] Optionally, per-streaming filtering and policing (PSFP) parameters are mapped to TSN QoS parameters, and then TSN QoS parameters are mapped to 5G QoS parameters to generate and update policy and charging control (PCC) rules. Optionally, corresponding port configurations can be performed based on port management information.

[0157] S804, the SMF entity, CUC, CNC, or other network elements determine whether End Station 1 and End Station 2 (or DS-TT1 and DS-TT2) can be network-coded and paired, and transmit data through network coding. End Station 1 corresponds to DS-TT1, and End Station 2 corresponds to DS-TT2.

[0158] If yes, proceed to step S805; otherwise, terminate at this step.

[0159] S805, the SMF entity instructs the UPF entity and UE, etc., to configure network coding operations and configure core network resources and access network resources, thereby transmitting data packets after network coding performed by the UPF entity.

[0160] Optionally, core network resources and access network resources can be configured via multicast.

[0161] In this embodiment of the application, the methods for triggering the UPF entity to determine the critical moment for each data packet include the following two optional methods:

[0162] S806a, the SMF entity obtains first time information locally and sends first indication information to the UPF entity. The first indication information includes the first time information. The first indication information is used to determine the critical moment of each data packet in at least one data packet sent by the first end station.

[0163] Optionally, the SMF entity can send the first instruction information to the UPF entity through the N4 session modification procedure.

[0164] The first time information includes burst arrival time (BAT), packet delay budget (PDB), and the period T for the first EndStation to send data packets. The BAT is used to indicate the time when the first data packet in the at least one data packet leaves the first terminal device, and the PDB is used to indicate the delay budget of the data packets in the Quality of Service (QoS) stream between the first terminal device and the UPF entity.

[0165] In this context, the first End Station (End Station 1) corresponds to the first terminal device (UE1), and can be understood as the first End Station sending uplink data packets through the first terminal device. The second End Station (End Station 2) corresponds to the second terminal device (UE2), and can be understood as the second End Station sending uplink data packets through the second terminal device.

[0166] Optionally, the UPF entity may first determine the Nth data packet among at least one data packet currently arriving at the UPF entity, and then determine the critical moment of the Nth data packet among at least one data packet based on the burst arrival time (BAT), packet delay budget (PDB), and the period T of the data packet sent by the first End Station.

[0167] Wherein, the critical moment of the Nth data packet in the at least one data packet = the BAT + the PDB + (N-1) * the T, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0168] S806b, the SMF entity receives the first time information sent by the centralized network configuration controller (CNC), and then sends first indication information to the UPF entity, the first indication information including the first time information. The first indication information is used to determine the critical moment of each data packet in at least one data packet sent by the first end station.

[0169] Optionally, the CNC can obtain the first time from the local machine and then send the first time information to the SMF entity through the AF entity and the PCF entity.

[0170] Optionally, the SMF entity can send the first instruction information to the UPF entity through the N4 session modification procedure.

[0171] The first time information includes the sending time of the first data packet in the at least one data packet, the delay threshold, and the period T of the data packet being sent by the first End Station. The delay threshold represents the upper limit of the delay for the data packet to travel from the first End Station to the second End Station.

[0172] Optionally, the UPF entity may first determine the Mth data packet among at least one data packet currently arriving at the UPF entity, and then determine the critical time of the Mth data packet among at least one data packet based on the sending time of the first data packet, the delay threshold / 2, and the T.

[0173] Wherein, the critical time of the Mth data packet in the at least one data packet = the sending time of the first data packet + the delay threshold / 2 + (M-1) * T, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0174] Optionally, the UPF entity performs network encoding on each data packet based on the critical time. Further, when the time for the i-th data packet in the at least one data packet sent by the first End Station to wait for the arrival of the data packet sent by the second End Station does not exceed the critical time of the i-th data packet, the UPF entity performs network encoding on the i-th data packet and the data packet of the second End Station. When the time for the i-th data packet in the at least one data packet sent by the first End Station to wait for the arrival of the data packet sent by the second End Station exceeds the critical time of the i-th data packet, the UPF entity does not perform network encoding on the i-th data packet and sends the i-th data packet to the second End Station. Here, i is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0175] Optionally, the UPF entity sends the i-th data packet to End Station2 via unicast.

[0176] like Figure 9 As shown, Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a data packet transmission. After End Station 1 sends data packet 1 to the XOR node (UPF entity), it waits for data packet 1 to be sent by End Station 2. Since the arrival time of data packet 1 sent by End Station 2 exceeds the critical time of data packet 1 sent by End Station 1, the XOR node does not perform network encoding on data packet 1 sent by End Station 1 and directly sends data packet 1 sent by End Station 1 to End Station 2. After the critical time of data packet 1 sent by End Station 1, data packet 1 sent by End Station 2 arrives at the XOR node first. Data packet 1 sent by End Station 2 waits for data packet 2 sent by End Station 1. Data packet 2 sent by End Station 1 arrives at the XOR node before the critical time of data packet 1 sent by End Station 2. Therefore, the XOR node performs network encoding on data packet 1 sent by End Station 2 and data packet 2 sent by End Station 1 to obtain XOR packet 1, and sends XOR packet 1 to End Station 1 and End Station 2 respectively. End Station 1 decodes to obtain data packet 1 sent by End Station 2, and End Station 2 decodes to obtain data packet 2 sent by End Station 1.

[0177] In this embodiment, the UPF entity performs network coding operations, and the SMF entity instructs the UPF entity to determine the critical time of each data packet of End Station 1. Based on the critical time, it is decided whether to wait for the data packet of End Station 2, which avoids the data packet exceeding the time limit due to waiting for too long, thereby improving the efficiency of data transmission.

[0178] like Figure 10 As shown, Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of a network coding process provided in an embodiment of this application. The steps in this embodiment include at least:

[0179] In step S1001, the UE / DS-TT sends a PDU session establishment request to the 5G core network, which then establishes a PDU session based on the request. After establishing the PDU session, the 5G core network reports 5GS bridge information to the AF entity.

[0180] The 5GS bridge information includes port management capabilities, DS-TT port number, bridge ID, etc.

[0181] Furthermore, the AF entity sends the first message to the TSN control plane (CUC / CNC).

[0182] The first information includes at least one of the following parameters: the duration of data packets residing in the DS-TT and terminal device (UE_DS_TT), the DS-TT's medium access control (MAC) address, port management capabilities, the DS-TT's port number, bridge identifier, the delay (txPropagation Delay) of data packets sent by the End Station to the corresponding DS-TT port, and port neighbor information.

[0183] S1002, End station sends TSC service request to CUC.

[0184] The TSC service request includes the address of the End Station, the packet transmission time of the TSC service, the data packet transmission period, and the time delay threshold for the data packet to arrive at the second End Station 2 from End Station 1. CUC and CNC can negotiate to determine the port through which communication takes place.

[0185] S1003, CNC configures the 5GS bridge via AF entity.

[0186] Optionally, per-streaming filtering and policing (PSFP) parameters are mapped to TSN QoS parameters, and then TSN QoS parameters are mapped to 5G QoS parameters to generate and update policy and charging control (PCC) rules. Optionally, corresponding port configurations can be performed based on port management information.

[0187] S1004, the SMF entity, CUC, CNC, or other network element determines whether End Station 1 and End Station 2 (or DS-TT1 and DS-TT2) can be network-coded and paired for data transmission. End Station 1 corresponds to DS-TT1, and End Station 2 corresponds to DS-TT2.

[0188] If yes, proceed to step S1005; otherwise, terminate at this step.

[0189] S1005, the SMF entity instructs the UPF entity and UE, etc., to configure network coding operations and configure core network resources and access network resources, thereby transmitting data packets after network coding performed by the UPF entity.

[0190] Optionally, core network resources and access network resources can be configured via multicast.

[0191] The following section uses the second End Station (End Station 2) as a reference to adjust the original packet sending time of the first End Station (End Station 1). The following two methods can be used to trigger the adjustment of the packet sending time of the first End Station:

[0192] S1006a, the CNC / CUC obtains the first time information from the local machine; determines the adjusted packet transmission time based on the first time information; and sends the adjusted packet transmission time to the first end station, wherein the adjusted packet transmission time is used to instruct the first end station to send the first data packet.

[0193] The first time information includes the delay ED1 of the first data packet sent by the first End Station from the first End Station to the first device-side delay-sensitive network converter DS-TT (DS-TT1), the delay ED2 of the second data packet sent by the second End Station from the second End Station to the second DS-TT (DS-TT2), the duration UE_DS_TT1 of the first data packet residing in the first DS-TT and the first terminal device, the duration UE_DS_TT2 of the second data packet residing in the second DS-TT and the second terminal device, the original packet sending time TPT1 of the first data packet, and the packet sending time TPT2 of the second data packet. The duration UE_DS_TT1 of the first data packet residing in the first DS-TT and the first terminal device can be expressed as the delay from the arrival of the first data packet at the port of the first DS-TT to its departure from the first terminal device (UE1), and the duration UE_DS_TT2 of the second data packet residing in the second DS-TT and the second terminal device can be expressed as the delay from the arrival of the second data packet at the port of the second DS-TT to its departure from the second terminal device (UE2).

[0194] In this configuration, the first End Station and the first terminal device correspond to the first DS-TT, meaning the first End Station sends uplink data packets via the first DS-TT and the first terminal device. The second End Station and the second terminal device correspond to the second DS-TT, meaning the second End Station sends uplink data packets via the second DS-TT and the second terminal device.

[0195] Optionally, the adjusted packet transmission time = ED2 + UE_DS_TT2 + TPT2 - UE_DS_TT1 - ED1.

[0196] S1006b, the SMF entity determines the adjustment amount; the SMF entity sends a first request to the CNC and / or CUC, the first request including the adjustment amount, the first request being used to request the CNC and / or CUC to adjust the timing of the first End Station sending the first data packet.

[0197] Optionally, the SMF entity can send a first request to the CNC and / or CUC through the PCF entity and the AF entity.

[0198] Optionally, the SMF entity can obtain the time BAT1 when the first data packet from the first End Station leaves the first terminal device and the time BAT2 when the first data packet from the second End Station leaves the second terminal device from the local Time-Sensitive Communication Assistance Information (TSCAI). BAT1 is obtained from the TSCAI associated with the first terminal device, and BAT2 is obtained from the TSCAI associated with the second terminal device.

[0199] Optionally, the SMF entity can determine the adjustment amount based on the time when the first data packet from the second End Station leaves the second terminal device, the time when the first data packet from the first End Station leaves the first terminal device, and the clock frequency ratio. Here, the clock frequency ratio is the ratio of the clock frequency of the TSN domain to the clock frequency of the 5G system.

[0200] Furthermore, the adjustment amount = (BAT2-BAT1)*clock frequency ratio, where BAT2 is the time when the first data packet of the second End Station leaves the second terminal device, and BAT1 is the time when the first data packet of the first End Station leaves the first terminal device.

[0201] Optionally, the CNC and / or CUC can determine the adjusted transmission time of the first data packet based on the original transmission time of the first data packet and the adjustment amount. Further, the adjusted transmission time = the original transmission time of the first data packet + the adjustment amount.

[0202] Optionally, the first End Station receives the adjusted packet transmission time sent by the CNC and / or CUC; and sends the first data packet according to the adjusted packet transmission time.

[0203] like Figure 11 As shown, Figure 11This is a schematic diagram of another data packet transmission method. The sending time of data packet 1 from End Station 1 is adjusted to align with the sending time of data packet 1 from End Station 2. This way, after data packet 1 from End Station 1 arrives at the XOR node (UPF entity), it only needs to wait a short time for data packet 1 from End Station 2 to arrive at the XOR node. The XOR node performs network encoding on data packets 1 from End Station 2 and End Station 1 to obtain XOR packet 1, and sends XOR packet 1 to End Station 1 and End Station 2 respectively. End Station 1 decodes to obtain data packet 1 from End Station 2, and End Station 2 decodes to obtain data packet 1 from End Station 1.

[0204] In this embodiment, the UPF entity performs network coding operations. By adjusting the sending time of the first data packet of the first End Station to align with the sending time of the second data packet of the second End Station, the data packet is prevented from exceeding the latency limit due to waiting for too long, thereby improving the efficiency of data transmission.

[0205] like Figure 12 As shown, Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of a network coding process provided in an embodiment of this application. The steps in this embodiment include at least:

[0206] In step S1201, the UE / DS-TT sends a PDU session establishment request to the 5G core network, which then establishes a PDU session based on the request. After establishing the PDU session, the 5G core network reports 5GS bridge information to the AF entity.

[0207] The 5GS bridge information includes port management capabilities, DS-TT port number, bridge ID, etc.

[0208] Furthermore, the AF entity sends the first message to the TSN control plane (CUC / CNC).

[0209] The first information includes at least one of the following parameters: the duration of data packets residing in the DS-TT and terminal device (UE_DS_TT), the DS-TT's medium access control (MAC) address, port management capabilities, the DS-TT's port number, bridge identifier, the delay (txPropagation Delay) of data packets sent by the End Station to the corresponding DS-TT port, port neighbor information, etc.

[0210] S1202, End station sends TSC service request to CUC.

[0211] The TSC service request includes the address of the End Station, the packet transmission time of the TSC service, the data packet transmission period, and the time delay threshold for the data packet to arrive at the second End Station 2 from End Station 1. CUC and CNC can negotiate to determine the port through which communication takes place.

[0212] S1203, CNC configures the 5GS bridge via AF entity.

[0213] Optionally, per-streaming filtering and policing (PSFP) parameters are mapped to TSN QoS parameters, and then TSN QoS parameters are mapped to 5G QoS parameters to generate and update policy and charging control (PCC) rules. Optionally, corresponding port configurations can be performed based on port management information.

[0214] S1204, the SMF entity, CUC, CNC, or other network element determines whether End Station 1 and End Station 2 (or DS-TT1 and DS-TT2) can be network-coded and paired for data transmission. End Station 1 corresponds to DS-TT1, and End Station 2 corresponds to DS-TT2.

[0215] If yes, proceed to step S1205; otherwise, terminate at this step.

[0216] S1205, the SMF entity instructs RAN devices and UEs to configure network coding operations and configure core network resources and access network resources, thereby transmitting data packets after network coding performed by the UPF entity.

[0217] Optionally, core network resources and access network resources can be configured via multicast.

[0218] In this embodiment of the application, the methods for triggering the RAN device to determine the critical moment for each data packet include the following two optional methods:

[0219] S1206a, the SMF entity obtains first time information from the local machine; sends first indication information to the Radio Access Network (RAN) device, the first indication information including the first time information, the first indication information being used to determine the critical moment of each data packet in at least one data packet sent by the first end station, the critical moment being used to indicate the latest waiting time for network coding of each data packet.

[0220] Optionally, the SMF entity sends the first indication information to the RAN device through the AMF entity.

[0221] The first time information includes the burst arrival time (BAT), the first packet delay budget (PDB), the second PDB, and the period T for the first End Station to send data packets. The BAT is used to indicate the time when the first data packet in the at least one data packet leaves the first terminal device. The first PDB is used to indicate the delay budget of the data packets in the QoS flow of the first terminal device between the first terminal device and the User Plane Function (UPF) entity. The second PDB is used to indicate the delay budget of the data packets in the QoS flow of the second terminal device between the UPF entity and the RAN device.

[0222] The first End Station corresponds to the first terminal device, and the second End Station corresponds to the second terminal device.

[0223] Optionally, the RAN device may first determine the Kth data packet in at least one data packet currently arriving at the RAN device, and then determine the critical moment of each data packet in at least one data packet sent by the first End Station based on the burst arrival time BAT, the first PDB, the second PDB and the period T of the data packets sent by the first End Station.

[0224] Further, the critical moment of the Kth data packet in the at least one data packet = the BAT + the first PDB + the second PDB + (K-1) * the T, where K is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0225] S1206b, the CNC sends a first request to the SMF entity. The first request includes the first time information and is used to request the determination of the critical moment for each data packet in at least one data packet sent by the first End Station. Upon receiving the first request, the SMF entity sends first indication information to the RAN device. The first indication information instructs the RAN device to determine the critical moment for each data packet.

[0226] Optionally, the CNC sends the first request to the SMF entity through the AF entity and the PCF entity.

[0227] Optionally, the SMF entity sends the first indication information to the RAN device through the AMF entity.

[0228] The first time information includes the burst arrival time (BAT), the first packet delay budget (PDB), the second PDB, and the period T for the first End Station to send data packets. The BAT is used to indicate the time when the first data packet in the at least one data packet leaves the first terminal device. The first PDB is used to indicate the delay budget of the data packets in the QoS flow of the first terminal device between the first terminal device and the User Plane Function (UPF) entity. The second PDB is used to indicate the delay budget of the data packets in the QoS flow of the second terminal device between the UPF entity and the RAN device.

[0229] The first End Station corresponds to the first terminal device, and the second End Station corresponds to the second terminal device.

[0230] It should be noted that the RAN device determines the critical moment of each data packet in the same way as the RAN device determines the critical moment of each data packet in S1206a, and this step will not be repeated here.

[0231] Optionally, the RAN device performs network encoding on each data packet according to the critical time. Further, when the time for the j-th data packet in the at least one data packet sent by the first End Station to wait for the arrival of the data packet sent by the second End Station does not exceed the critical time of the j-th data packet, the RAN device performs network encoding on the j-th data packet and the data packet of the second End Station. When the time for the j-th data packet in the at least one data packet sent by the first End Station to wait for the arrival of the data packet sent by the second End Station exceeds the critical time of the j-th data packet, the RAN device does not perform network encoding on the j-th data packet and sends the j-th data packet to the second End Station. Here, j is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0232] Optionally, when the time for the j-th data packet in the at least one data packet sent by the first End Station to wait for the arrival of the data packet sent by the second End Station exceeds the critical time of the j-th data packet, the RAN device can send the j-th data packet to End Station 2 via unicast.

[0233] In this embodiment, the RAN device performs network coding operations and instructs the RAN device through the SMF entity to determine the critical time of each data packet of End Station 1. Based on the critical time, it decides whether to wait for the data packet of End Station 2, thereby avoiding the data packet exceeding the time limit due to waiting for too long, thus improving the efficiency of data transmission.

[0234] like Figure 13 As shown, Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of a network coding process provided in an embodiment of this application. The steps in this embodiment include at least:

[0235] S1301-S1304 are the same as S1001-S1004. The specific implementation of S1301-S1304 can be referred to the specific implementation of S1001-S1004, which will not be repeated here.

[0236] S1305, the SMF entity instructs RAN devices and UEs to configure network coding operations and configure core network resources and access network resources, thereby transmitting data packets after network coding performed by the UPF entity.

[0237] S1306a is the same as S1006a, and S1306b is the same as S1006b. For the specific implementation of S1306a, please refer to the specific implementation of S1006a. For the specific implementation of S1306b, please refer to the specific implementation of S1006b. It will not be repeated here.

[0238] In this embodiment, the RAN device performs network coding operations to adjust the sending time of the first data packet of the first End Station to align with the sending time of the second data packet of the second End Station, thereby avoiding data packets exceeding the latency limit due to excessive waiting time and improving data transmission efficiency.

[0239] It is understood that, in the above method embodiments, the methods and operations implemented by the SMF entity can also be implemented by components (e.g., chips or circuits) that can be used with the SMF entity, and the methods and operations implemented by the UPF entity can also be implemented by components (e.g., chips or circuits) that can be used with the UPF entity. Similarly, the methods and operations implemented by the RAN device can also be implemented by components (e.g., chips or circuits) that can be used with the RAN device. And the methods and operations implemented by the CNC can also be implemented by components (e.g., chips or circuits) that can be used with the CNC.

[0240] The foregoing mainly describes the solutions provided by the embodiments of this application from the perspective of various interactions. It is understood that each network element, such as a transmitting or receiving device, includes corresponding hardware structures and / or software modules to perform the aforementioned functions. Those skilled in the art should recognize that, based on the units and algorithm steps of the examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed by hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0241] This application embodiment can divide the transmitting or receiving device into functional modules according to the above method examples. For example, each function can be divided into its own functional modules, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated modules can be implemented in hardware or software. It should be noted that the module division in this application embodiment is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division; other division methods may be used in actual implementation. The following description uses the division of functional modules according to each function as an example.

[0242] The above, combined with Figure 8 , Figure 10 , Figure 12 and Figure 13 The methods provided in the embodiments of this application are described in detail below. Figures 14 to 18 This application provides a detailed description of the network coding apparatus provided in its embodiments. It should be understood that the descriptions of the apparatus embodiments correspond to the descriptions of the method embodiments; therefore, any details not described in detail can be found in the above method embodiments, and for the sake of brevity, will not be repeated here.

[0243] Please see Figure 14 , Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of a network coding apparatus provided in an embodiment of this application. The network coding apparatus may include an acquisition module 1401, a processing module 1402, and a transmission module 1403. The acquisition module 1401 and the transmission module 1403 can communicate with external systems and may also be referred to as a communication interface, a transceiver unit, or a transceiver module. The acquisition module 1401 and the transmission module 1403 can be used to perform the actions performed by the SMF entity in the above method embodiment. The processing module 1402 is used for processing, such as determining adjustment amounts.

[0244] For example, the acquisition module 1401 and the sending module 1403 can also be called transceiver modules or transceiver units (including receiving units and sending units), and are used to perform the steps of sending and receiving SMF entities in the above method embodiments, respectively.

[0245] In one possible design, the network coding device can implement the steps or processes corresponding to those performed by the SMF entity in the above method embodiments. For example, it can be an SMF entity, or a chip or circuit configured in the SMF entity. The acquisition module 1401 and the transmission module 1403 are used to perform transmit / receive related operations on the SMF entity side in the above method embodiments. The processing module 1402 is used to perform processing related operations of the SMF entity in the above method embodiments.

[0246] In one embodiment:

[0247] Module 1401 is used to acquire first-time information;

[0248] The sending module 1403 is used to send first indication information to the User Plane Function (UPF) entity. The first indication information includes the first time information. The first indication information is used to determine the critical moment of each data packet in at least one data packet sent by the first end node (End Station). The critical moment is used to indicate the latest waiting time for network encoding of each data packet.

[0249] Optionally, the first time information includes burst arrival time (BAT), packet delay budget (PDB), and the period T for the first EndStation to send data packets. The BAT is used to indicate the time when the first data packet in the at least one data packet leaves the first terminal device, and the PDB is used to indicate the delay budget of the data packets in the Quality of Service (QoS) stream between the first terminal device and the UPF entity.

[0250] Optionally, the critical moment of the Nth data packet in the at least one data packet = the BAT + the PDB + (N-1) * the T, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0251] Optionally, the first time information includes the transmission time of the first data packet in the at least one data packet, a delay threshold, and the period T of the data packet transmission by the first End Station, wherein the delay threshold represents the upper limit of the delay for the data packet to travel from the first End Station to the second End Station.

[0252] Optionally, the acquisition module 1401 is also configured to receive the first time information sent by the centralized network configuration controller (CNC).

[0253] Optionally, the critical time of the Mth data packet in the at least one data packet = the sending time of the first data packet + the delay threshold / 2 + (M-1) * T, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0254] In another embodiment:

[0255] Processing module 1402 is used to determine the adjustment amount;

[0256] The sending module 1403 is used to send a first request to the centralized network configuration controller (CNC) and / or the centralized user configuration controller (CUC), the first request including the adjustment amount, and the first request is used to request the CNC to adjust the timing of the first End Station sending the first data packet.

[0257] Optionally, the adjustment amount = (BAT2-BAT1)*clock frequency ratio, where BAT2 is the time when the first data packet of the second End Station leaves the second terminal device, and BAT1 is the time when the first data packet of the first End Station leaves the first terminal device.

[0258] In another embodiment:

[0259] Module 1401 is used to acquire first-time information;

[0260] The sending module 1403 is used to send first indication information to the radio access network (RAN) device. The first indication information includes the first time information. The first indication information is used to determine the critical moment of each data packet in at least one data packet sent by the first end station. The critical moment is used to indicate the latest waiting time for network coding of each data packet.

[0261] Optionally, the acquisition module 1401 is further configured to receive a first request sent by the centralized network configuration controller (CNC), the first request including the first time information, and the first request being used to request the determination of the critical moment of each data packet.

[0262] Optionally, the first time information includes the burst arrival time (BAT), the first packet delay budget (PDB), the second PDB, and the period T for the first End Station to send data packets. The BAT is used to indicate the time when the first data packet in the at least one data packet leaves the first terminal device. The first PDB is used to indicate the delay budget of the data packets in the QoS flow of the first terminal device between the first terminal device and the User Plane Function (UPF) entity. The second PDB is used to indicate the delay budget of the data packets in the QoS flow of the second terminal device between the UPF entity and the RAN device.

[0263] Optionally, the critical moment of the Kth data packet in the at least one data packet = the BAT + the first PDB + the second PDB + (K-1) * the T, where K is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0264] It should be noted that the implementation of each module can also be referenced accordingly. Figure 8 , Figure 10 , Figure 12 and Figure 13 The corresponding description of the method embodiments shown above executes the methods and functions performed by the SMF entities in the above embodiments.

[0265] Please see Figure 15 , Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of a network coding apparatus provided in an embodiment of this application. The network coding apparatus may include a receiving module 1501 and a processing module 1502. The receiving module 1501 can communicate with external systems and may also be referred to as a communication interface, transceiver unit, or transceiver module. The receiving module 1501 can be used to execute the actions performed by the UPF entity in the above method embodiments. The processing module 1502 is used for processing, such as performing network coding operations.

[0266] For example, the receiving module 1501 can also be called a transceiver module or transceiver unit (including a receiving unit and a sending unit), which are used to perform the steps of sending and receiving the UPF entity in the above method embodiment.

[0267] In one possible design, the network coding device can implement steps or processes corresponding to those performed by the UPF entity in the above method embodiments. For example, it can be a UPF entity, or a chip or circuit configured in the UPF entity. The receiving module 1501 is used to perform transmit / receive related operations on the UPF entity side in the above method embodiments. The processing module 1502 is used to perform processing related operations of the UPF entity in the above method embodiments.

[0268] The receiving module 1501 is used to receive first indication information sent by the Session Management Function (SMF) entity, wherein the first indication information includes the first time information;

[0269] The processing module 1502 is configured to determine the critical moment of each data packet in at least one data packet sent by the first end node (End Station) based on the first time information; and to perform network encoding on each data packet based on the critical moment.

[0270] Optionally, the first time information includes burst arrival time (BAT), packet delay budget (PDB), and the period T for the first EndStation to send data packets. The BAT is used to indicate the time when the first data packet in the at least one data packet leaves the first terminal device, and the PDB is used to indicate the delay budget of the data packets in the Quality of Service (QoS) stream between the first terminal device and the UPF entity.

[0271] Optionally, the critical moment of the Nth data packet in the at least one data packet = the BAT + the PDB + (N-1) * the T, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0272] Optionally, the first time information includes the transmission time of the first data packet in the at least one data packet, a delay threshold, and the period T of the data packet transmission by the first End Station, wherein the delay threshold represents the upper limit of the delay for the data packet to travel from the first End Station to the second End Station.

[0273] Optionally, the critical time of the Mth data packet in the at least one data packet = the sending time of the first data packet + the delay threshold / 2 + (M-1) * T, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0274] Optionally, the processing module 1502 is further configured to perform network encoding on the i-th data packet and the data packet of the second End Station when the time when the i-th data packet in the at least one data packet sent by the first End Station waits for the arrival of the data packet sent by the second End Station does not exceed the critical time of the i-th data packet, where i is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0275] It should be noted that the implementation of each module can also be referenced accordingly. Figure 8 , Figure 10 , Figure 12 and Figure 13 The corresponding descriptions of the method embodiments shown above describe the methods and functions performed by the UPF entities in the above embodiments.

[0276] Please see Figure 16 , Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of a network coding device provided in an embodiment of this application. The network coding device may include a receiving module 1601 and a processing module 1602. The receiving module 1601 can communicate with external systems and may also be referred to as a communication interface, transceiver unit, or transceiver module. The receiving module 1601 can be used to perform the actions performed by the RAN device in the above method embodiment. The processing module 1602 is used for processing, such as performing network coding operations.

[0277] For example, the receiving module 1601 can also be called a transceiver module or transceiver unit (including a receiving unit and a transmitting unit), which are used to perform the steps of transmitting and receiving by the RAN device in the above method embodiment.

[0278] In one possible design, the network coding device can implement steps or processes corresponding to those performed by the RAN device in the above method embodiments. For example, it can be the RAN device itself, or a chip or circuit configured in the RAN device. The receiving module 1601 is used to perform transmit / receive related operations on the RAN device side in the above method embodiments. The processing module 1602 is used to perform processing related operations of the RAN device in the above method embodiments.

[0279] The receiving module 1601 is used to receive first indication information sent by the Session Management Function (SMF) entity, wherein the first indication information includes the first time information.

[0280] The processing module 1602 is configured to determine the critical moment of each data packet in at least one data packet sent by the first end node (End Station) based on the first time information; and to perform network encoding on each data packet based on the critical moment.

[0281] Optionally, the first time information includes the burst arrival time (BAT), the first packet delay budget (PDB), the second PDB, and the period T for the first End Station to send data packets. The BAT is used to indicate the time when the first data packet in the at least one data packet leaves the first terminal device. The first PDB is used to indicate the delay budget of the data packets in the QoS flow of the first terminal device between the first terminal device and the User Plane Function (UPF) entity. The second PDB is used to indicate the delay budget of the data packets in the QoS flow of the second terminal device between the UPF entity and the RAN device.

[0282] Optionally, the critical moment of the Kth data packet in the at least one data packet = the BAT + the first PDB + the second PDB + (K-1) * the T, where K is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0283] Optionally, the processing module 1602 is further configured to perform network encoding on the j-th data packet and the data packet of the second End Station when the time when the j-th data packet in at least one data packet sent by the first End Station waits for the data packet sent by the second End Station to arrive does not exceed the critical time of the j-th data packet, where j is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0284] It should be noted that the implementation of each module can also be referenced accordingly. Figure 8 , Figure 10 , Figure 12 and Figure 13 The corresponding description of the method embodiments shown indicates that the methods and functions performed by the RAN device in the above embodiments are executed.

[0285] Please see Figure 17 , Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of a network coding device provided in an embodiment of this application. The network coding device may include an acquisition module 1701, a processing module 1702, and a transmission module 1703. The acquisition module 1701 and the transmission module 1703 can communicate with external systems and may also be referred to as a communication interface, a transceiver unit, or a transceiver module. The acquisition module 1701 and the transmission module 1703 can be used to perform the actions executed by the CNC in the above method embodiment. The processing module 1702 is used for processing, such as determining the adjusted packet transmission time.

[0286] For example, the acquisition module 1701 and the transmission module 1703 can also be called transceiver modules or transceiver units (including receiving units and sending units), which are used to perform the CNC transmission and reception steps in the above method embodiment.

[0287] In one possible design, the network encoding device can implement steps or processes corresponding to those executed by the CNC and / or CUC in the above method embodiments. For example, it can be a CNC and / or CUC, or a chip or circuit configured in the CNC and / or CUC. The acquisition module 1701 and the transmission module 1703 are used to perform transmit / receive related operations on the CNC and / or CUC side of the above method embodiments. The processing module 1702 is used to perform processing related operations of the CNC in the above method embodiments.

[0288] Module 1701 is used to acquire first-time information;

[0289] Processing module 1702 is used to determine the adjusted packet transmission time based on the first time information;

[0290] The sending module 1703 is used to send the adjusted packet sending time to the first end station, the adjusted packet sending time being used to instruct the first end station to send the first data packet.

[0291] Optionally, the first time information includes the delay ED1 of the first data packet sent by the first End Station from the first End Station to the first device-side delay-sensitive network converter DS-TT, the delay ED2 of the second data packet sent by the second End Station from the second End Station to the second DS-TT, the duration UE_DS_TT1 of the first data packet residing in the first DS-TT and the first terminal device, the duration UE_DS_TT2 of the second data packet residing in the second DS-TT and the second terminal device, the original packet sending time TPT1 of the first data packet, and the packet sending time TPT2 of the second data packet.

[0292] Optionally, the adjusted packet transmission time = ED2 + UE_DS_TT2 + TPT2 - UE_DS_TT1 - ED1.

[0293] Optionally, the first time information includes the adjustment amount.

[0294] Optionally, the acquisition module 1701 is further configured to receive a first request sent by the Session Management Function (SMF) entity, the first request including the adjustment amount, and the first indication information being used to request an adjustment of the timing at which the first End Station sends the first data packet.

[0295] Optionally, the adjustment amount = (BAT2-BAT1)*clock frequency ratio, where BAT2 is the time when the first data packet of the second End Station leaves the second terminal device, and BAT1 is the time when the first data packet of the first End Station leaves the first terminal device.

[0296] Optionally, the adjusted packet sending time = the original packet sending time of the first data packet + the adjustment amount.

[0297] It should be noted that the implementation of each module can also be referenced accordingly. Figure 8 , Figure 10 , Figure 12 and Figure 13 The corresponding description of the method embodiment shown above describes the methods and functions performed by the CNC in the above embodiments.

[0298] Please see Figure 18 , Figure 18This is a schematic diagram of a network coding device provided in an embodiment of this application. The network coding device may include a receiving module 1801 and a processing module 1802. The receiving module 1801 can communicate with external systems and may also be referred to as a communication interface, transceiver unit, or transceiver module. The receiving module 1801 can be used to perform the actions performed by the End Station in the above method embodiment. The processing module 1802 is used for processing, such as sending data packets.

[0299] For example, the receiving module 1801 can also be called a transceiver module or transceiver unit (including a receiving unit and a sending unit), which are used to perform the End Station sending and receiving steps in the above method embodiment.

[0300] In one possible design, the network coding device can implement the steps or processes corresponding to those executed by the EndStation in the above method embodiments. For example, it can be an End Station, or a chip or circuit configured in the End Station. The receiving module 1801 is used to perform the transmit / receive related operations on the End Station side in the above method embodiments. The processing module 1802 is used to perform the processing related operations of the End Station in the above method embodiments.

[0301] Receiver module 1801 is used to receive the adjusted packet transmission time sent by CNC and / or CUC;

[0302] The processing module 1802 is used to send the first data packet according to the adjusted packet sending time.

[0303] It should be noted that the implementation of each module can also be referenced accordingly. Figure 8 , Figure 10 , Figure 12 and Figure 13 The corresponding description of the method embodiment shown describes the methods and functions performed by the End Station in the above embodiments.

[0304] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an SMF entity provided in an embodiment of this application. The SMF entity can be applied to the system shown in Figures 1(A) and 1(B) to perform the functions of the SMF entity in the above method embodiments, or to implement the steps or processes performed by the SMF entity in the above method embodiments.

[0305] like Figure 19As shown, the SMF entity includes a processor 1901 and a transceiver 1902. Optionally, the SMF entity also includes a memory 1903. The processor 1901, transceiver 1902, and memory 1903 can communicate with each other via internal connections to transmit control and / or data signals. The memory 1903 stores computer programs, and the processor 1901 retrieves and runs the computer programs from the memory 1903 to control the transceiver 1902 to transmit and receive signals. Optionally, the SMF entity may also include an antenna for transmitting uplink data or uplink control signaling output by the transceiver 1902 via wireless signals.

[0306] The aforementioned processor 1901 can be used with Figure 14 Corresponding to the processing module in the memory 1903, the processor 1901 can be combined with the memory 1903 to form a processing device. The processor 1901 is used to execute the program code stored in the memory 1903 to achieve the above functions. In specific implementation, the memory 1903 can be integrated into the processor 1901 or independent of the processor 1901.

[0307] The transceiver 1902 described above can be used with Figure 14 The acquisition module and the transmission module correspond to each other, and can also be called a transceiver unit or transceiver module. The transceiver 1902 may include a receiver (or receiver circuit) and a transmitter (or transmitter circuit). The receiver is used to receive signals, and the transmitter is used to transmit signals.

[0308] It should be understood that Figure 19 The SMF entity shown can achieve Figure 8 , Figure 10 , Figure 12 and Figure 13 The methods illustrated in the embodiments involve various processes of the SMF entity. The operations and / or functions of each module in the SMF entity are respectively implemented to achieve the corresponding processes in the above method embodiments. For details, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments; to avoid repetition, detailed descriptions are appropriately omitted here.

[0309] The processor 1901 described above can be used to execute the actions implemented internally by the SMF entity as described in the preceding method embodiments, while the transceiver 1902 can be used to execute the actions received by the SMF entity from or from the UPF entity as described in the preceding method embodiments. Please refer to the descriptions in the preceding method embodiments for details, which will not be repeated here.

[0310] The processor 1901 can be a central processing unit, a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. It can implement or execute various exemplary logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in conjunction with the disclosure of this application. The processor 1901 can also be a combination that implements computing functions, such as a combination of one or more microprocessors, a combination of a digital signal processor and a microprocessor, etc. The communication bus 1904 can be a peripheral component interconnect standard PCI bus or an extended industry standard structure EISA bus, etc. The bus can be divided into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, etc. For ease of representation, Figure 19 The bus is represented by a single thick line, but this does not imply that there is only one bus or one type of bus. The communication bus 1904 is used to implement communication between these components. In this embodiment, the transceiver 1902 is used for signaling or data communication with other node devices. The memory 1903 may include volatile memory, such as nonvolatile random access memory (NVRAM), phase change RAM (PRAM), magnetoresistive RAM (MRAM), etc., and may also include nonvolatile memory, such as at least one disk storage device, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory devices, such as NOR flash memory or NAND flash memory, semiconductor devices, such as solid-state disk (SSD), etc. Optionally, the memory 1903 may also be at least one storage device located remotely from the aforementioned processor 1901. Optionally, a set of computer program code or configuration information may also be stored in memory 1903. Optionally, processor 1901 may also execute the program stored in memory 1903. The processor may cooperate with memory and transceiver to perform any of the methods and functions of the SMF entity in the above-described embodiments.

[0311] Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a UPF entity provided in an embodiment of this application. The UPF entity can be applied to the systems shown in Figures 1(A) and 1(B) to perform the functions of the UPF entity in the above method embodiments, or to implement the steps or processes executed by the UPF entity in the above method embodiments.

[0312] like Figure 20As shown, the UPF entity includes a processor 2001 and a transceiver 2002. Optionally, the UPF entity also includes a memory 2003. The processor 2001, transceiver 2002, and memory 2003 can communicate with each other via internal connections to transmit control and / or data signals. The memory 2003 stores computer programs, and the processor 2001 retrieves and runs the computer programs from the memory 2003 to control the transceiver 2002 to transmit and receive signals. Optionally, the UPF entity may also include an antenna for transmitting uplink data or uplink control signaling output by the transceiver 2002 via wireless signals.

[0313] The aforementioned processor 2001 can be used with Figure 15 Corresponding to the processing module in the memory 2003, the processor 2001 can be combined with the memory 2003 to form a processing device. The processor 2001 is used to execute the program code stored in the memory 2003 to achieve the above functions. In specific implementation, the memory 2003 can be integrated into the processor 2001 or independent of the processor 2001.

[0314] The transceiver 2002 described above can be used with Figure 15 The corresponding receiving module in the transceiver unit can also be called a transceiver unit or transceiver module. The transceiver 2002 may include a receiver (or receiver circuit) and a transmitter (or transmitter circuit). The receiver is used to receive signals, and the transmitter is used to transmit signals.

[0315] It should be understood that Figure 20 The UPF entity shown can achieve Figure 8 , Figure 10 , Figure 12 and Figure 13 The methods illustrated in the embodiments involve various processes of the UPF entity. The operations and / or functions of each module in the UPF entity are respectively implemented to achieve the corresponding processes in the above method embodiments. For details, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments; to avoid repetition, detailed descriptions are appropriately omitted here.

[0316] The processor 2001 described above can be used to execute the actions implemented internally by the UPF entity as described in the preceding method embodiments, while the transceiver 2002 can be used to execute the actions received by the UPF entity from the SMF entity as described in the preceding method embodiments. Please refer to the descriptions in the preceding method embodiments for details, which will not be repeated here.

[0317] The processor 2001 can be any of the processors mentioned above. The communication bus 2004 can be a PCI bus (interconnection standard for peripheral components) or an EISA bus (extended industry standard structure). The bus can be divided into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, etc. For ease of representation, Figure 20The bus is represented by a single thick line, but this does not imply that there is only one bus or one type of bus. The communication bus 2004 is used to implement communication between these components. In this embodiment, the transceiver 2002 is used for signaling or data communication with other devices. The memory 2003 can be any of the types of memory mentioned above. Optionally, the memory 2003 can also be at least one storage device located remotely from the aforementioned processor 2001. The memory 2003 stores a set of computer program code or configuration information, and the processor 2001 executes the program in the memory 2003. The processor can cooperate with the memory and transceiver to perform any of the methods and functions of the UPF entity in the above embodiments.

[0318] Figure 21 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a RAN device provided in an embodiment of this application. The RAN device can be applied to the system shown in Figures 1(A) and 1(B) to perform the functions of the RAN device in the above method embodiments, or to implement the steps or processes performed by the RAN device in the above method embodiments.

[0319] like Figure 21 As shown, the RAN device includes a processor 2101 and a transceiver 2102. Optionally, the RAN device also includes a memory 2103. The processor 2101, transceiver 2102, and memory 2103 can communicate with each other via internal connections to transmit control and / or data signals. The memory 2103 stores computer programs, and the processor 2101 retrieves and runs the computer programs from the memory 2103 to control the transceiver 2102 to transmit and receive signals. Optionally, the RAN device may also include an antenna for transmitting uplink data or uplink control signaling output by the transceiver 2102 via wireless signals.

[0320] The processor 2101 and the memory 2103 can be combined into a single processing device. The processor 2101 executes the program code stored in the memory 2103 to achieve the above-mentioned functions. In specific implementations, the memory 2103 can be integrated into the processor 2101 or be independent of the processor 2101.

[0321] The transceiver 2102 described above can be used with Figure 16 The corresponding receiving module can also be called a transceiver unit or transceiver module. Transceiver 2102 may include a receiver (or receiver circuit) and a transmitter (or transmitter circuit). The receiver is used to receive signals, and the transmitter is used to transmit signals.

[0322] It should be understood that Figure 21 The RAN equipment shown can achieve Figure 8 , Figure 10 , Figure 12 and Figure 13 The methods illustrated in the embodiments involve various processes within the RAN device. The operations and / or functions of each module in the RAN device are respectively designed to implement the corresponding processes in the above method embodiments. For details, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments; to avoid repetition, detailed descriptions are appropriately omitted here.

[0323] The processor 2101 described above can be used to execute the actions implemented internally by the RAN device as described in the preceding method embodiments, while the transceiver 2102 can be used to execute the actions received by the RAN device from the SMF entity as described in the preceding method embodiments. Please refer to the descriptions in the preceding method embodiments for details, which will not be repeated here.

[0324] The processor 2101 can be any of the processors mentioned above. The communication bus 2104 can be a PCI bus (interconnection standard for peripheral components) or an EISA bus (extended industry standard structure). The bus can be divided into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, etc. For ease of representation, Figure 21 The bus is represented by a single thick line, but this does not imply that there is only one bus or one type of bus. The communication bus 2104 is used to implement communication between these components. In this embodiment, the transceiver 2102 is used for signaling or data communication with other devices. The memory 2103 can be any of the types of memory mentioned above. Optionally, the memory 2103 can also be at least one storage device located remotely from the aforementioned processor 2101. The memory 2103 stores a set of computer program code or configuration information, and the processor 2101 executes the program in the memory 2103. The processor can cooperate with the memory and transceiver to execute any of the methods and functions of the RAN device in the above embodiments.

[0325] Figure 22 This is a schematic diagram of a CNC structure provided in an embodiment of this application. The CNC can be applied to the systems shown in Figures 1(A) and 1(B) to execute the functions of the CNC in the above method embodiments, or to implement the steps or processes executed by the CNC in the above method embodiments.

[0326] like Figure 22As shown, the CNC includes a processor 2201 and a transceiver 2202. Optionally, the CNC also includes a memory 2203. The processor 2201, transceiver 2202, and memory 2203 can communicate with each other via internal connections to transmit control and / or data signals. The memory 2203 stores computer programs, and the processor 2201 retrieves and runs the computer programs from the memory 2203 to control the transceiver 2202 to transmit and receive signals. Optionally, the CNC may also include an antenna for transmitting uplink data or uplink control signaling output by the transceiver 2202 via wireless signals.

[0327] The aforementioned processor 2201 can be with Figure 17 The corresponding processing module and memory 2203 can be combined into a processing device. The processor 2201 is used to execute the program code stored in memory 2203 to achieve the above functions. In specific implementation, the memory 2203 can be integrated into the processor 2201 or independent of the processor 2201.

[0328] The transceiver 2202 described above can be used with Figure 17 The acquisition module and the transmission module correspond to each other, and can also be called a transceiver unit or transceiver module. The transceiver 2202 may include a receiver (or receiver circuit) and a transmitter (or transmitter circuit). The receiver is used to receive signals, and the transmitter is used to transmit signals.

[0329] It should be understood that Figure 22 The CNC shown can achieve Figure 8 , Figure 10 , Figure 12 and Figure 13 The methods illustrated in the embodiments involve various CNC processes. The operations and / or functions of each module in the CNC are respectively for implementing the corresponding processes in the above method embodiments. For details, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments; to avoid repetition, detailed descriptions are appropriately omitted here.

[0330] The processor 2201 described above can be used to execute the actions implemented internally by the CNC as described in the preceding method embodiments, while the transceiver 2202 can be used to execute the actions described in the preceding method embodiments whereby the CNC sends data to or receives data from the End Station. For details, please refer to the descriptions in the preceding method embodiments; they will not be repeated here.

[0331] The processor 2201 can be any of the processors mentioned above. The communication bus 2204 can be a PCI bus (interconnection standard for peripheral components) or an EISA bus (extended industry standard structure). The bus can be divided into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, etc. For ease of representation, Figure 22The bus is represented by a single thick line, but this does not imply that there is only one bus or one type of bus. The communication bus 2204 is used to implement communication between these components. In this embodiment, the transceiver 2202 is used for signaling or data communication with other devices. The memory 2203 can be any of the types of memory mentioned above. Optionally, the memory 2203 can also be at least one storage device located remotely from the aforementioned processor 2201. The memory 2203 stores a set of computer program code or configuration information, and the processor 2201 executes the program in the memory 2203. The processor can cooperate with the memory and transceiver to execute any of the methods and functions of the CNC in the above embodiments.

[0332] Figure 23 This is a schematic diagram of an End Station provided in an embodiment of this application. The End Station can be applied to the systems shown in Figures 1(A) and 1(B) to perform the functions of the End Station in the above method embodiments, or to implement the steps or processes performed by the End Station in the above method embodiments.

[0333] like Figure 23 As shown, the End Station includes a processor 2301 and a transceiver 2302. Optionally, the End Station also includes a memory 2303. The processor 2301, transceiver 2302, and memory 2303 can communicate with each other via an internal connection path to transmit control and / or data signals. The memory 2303 stores computer programs, and the processor 2301 retrieves and runs the computer programs from the memory 2303 to control the transceiver 2302 to transmit and receive signals. Optionally, the End Station may also include an antenna for transmitting uplink data or uplink control signaling output by the transceiver 2302 via wireless signals.

[0334] The aforementioned processor 2301 can be used with Figure 18 The corresponding processing module and memory 2303 can be combined into a processing device. The processor 2301 is used to execute the program code stored in the memory 2303 to achieve the above functions. In specific implementation, the memory 2303 can be integrated into the processor 2301 or independent of the processor 2301.

[0335] The transceiver 2302 described above can be used with Figure 18 The corresponding receiving module in this transceiver unit can also be called a transceiver unit or transceiver module. The transceiver 2302 may include a receiver (or receiver circuit) and a transmitter (or transmitter circuit). The receiver is used to receive signals, and the transmitter is used to transmit signals.

[0336] It should be understood that Figure 23 The End Station shown can achieve Figure 8 , Figure 10 , Figure 12 and Figure 13 The methods illustrated in the embodiments involve various processes of the End Station. The operations and / or functions of each module in the End Station are respectively for implementing the corresponding processes in the above method embodiments. For details, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments; to avoid repetition, detailed descriptions are appropriately omitted here.

[0337] The processor 2301 described above can be used to execute the actions implemented internally by the End Station as described in the preceding method embodiments, while the transceiver 2302 can be used to execute the actions described in the preceding method embodiments whereby the End Station sends data to or receives data from the CNC. Please refer to the descriptions in the preceding method embodiments for details, which will not be repeated here.

[0338] The processor 2301 can be any of the processors mentioned above. The communication bus 2304 can be a PCI bus (interconnection standard for peripheral components) or an EISA bus (extended industry standard structure). The bus can be divided into an address bus, a data bus, and a control bus. For ease of representation, Figure 23 The bus is represented by a single thick line, but this does not imply that there is only one bus or one type of bus. The communication bus 2304 is used to implement communication between these components. In this embodiment, the transceiver 2302 is used for signaling or data communication with other devices. The memory 2303 can be any of the types of memory mentioned above. Optionally, the memory 2303 can also be at least one storage device located remotely from the aforementioned processor 2301. The memory 2303 stores a set of computer program code or configuration information, and the processor 2301 executes the program in the memory 2303. The processor can cooperate with the memory and transceiver to execute any of the methods and functions of the End Station in the above embodiments.

[0339] This application also provides a chip system including a processor for supporting an SMF entity, UPF entity, RAN device, CNC, or End Station to implement the functions involved in any of the above embodiments, such as generating or processing the critical moments or adjusted packet transmission moments involved in the above methods. In one possible design, the chip system may further include a memory for storing necessary program instructions and data for the SMF entity, UPF entity, RAN device, CNC, or End Station. The chip system may be composed of a chip or may include chips and other discrete devices. The inputs and outputs of the chip system correspond to the receiving and transmitting operations of the SMF entity, UPF entity, RAN device, CNC, or End Station in the method embodiments, respectively.

[0340] This application also provides a processing apparatus, including a processor and an interface. The processor can be used to execute the methods described in the above method embodiments.

[0341] It should be understood that the aforementioned processing device can be a chip. For example, the processing device can be a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a system-on-chip (SoC), a central processor unit (CPU), a network processor (NP), a digital signal processor (DSP), a microcontroller unit (MCU), a programmable logic device (PLD), or other integrated chips.

[0342] In implementation, each step of the above method can be completed by integrated logic circuits in the processor's hardware or by instructions in software. The steps of the method disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly implemented by a hardware processor, or by a combination of hardware and software modules in the processor. The software modules can reside in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, or other mature storage media in the art. This storage medium is located in memory, and the processor reads information from the memory and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the steps of the above method. To avoid repetition, detailed descriptions are omitted here.

[0343] It should be noted that the processor in the embodiments of this application can be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. During implementation, each step of the above method embodiments can be completed by the integrated logic circuitry in the processor's hardware or by instructions in software form. The processor can be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components. It can implement or execute the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly embodied as being executed by a hardware decoding processor, or executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software modules can be located in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, or other mature storage media in the art. This storage medium is located in memory, and the processor reads the information in the memory and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the steps of the above methods.

[0344] According to the method provided in the embodiments of this application, this application also provides a computer program product, which includes: a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform... Figure 8 , Figure 10 , Figure 12 and Figure 13 The method of any one of the embodiments shown.

[0345] According to the method provided in the embodiments of this application, this application also provides a computer-readable medium storing a computer program, which, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform... Figure 8 , Figure 10 , Figure 12 and Figure 13 The method of any one of the embodiments shown.

[0346] According to the method provided in the embodiments of this application, this application also provides a system that includes the aforementioned SMF entity, UPF entity, RAN device, CNC or one or more End Stations.

[0347] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved entirely or partially through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented entirely or partially in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium (such as a temporary storage medium or a non-transient storage medium), or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available media may be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., high-density digital video discs (DVDs)), or semiconductor media (e.g., solid-state disks (SSDs)).

[0348] The SMF entity, UPF entity, RAN device, CNC or End Station in the above-described device embodiments correspond to the SMF entity, UPF entity, RAN device, CNC or End Station in the method embodiments. Corresponding modules or units execute corresponding steps. For example, the receiving module and the transmitting module (transceiver) execute the receiving or transmitting steps in the method embodiments. Steps other than transmitting and receiving can be executed by the processing module (processor). The specific functions of the modules can be found in the corresponding method embodiments. There can be one or more processors.

[0349] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the various illustrative logical blocks and steps described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementations should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0350] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0351] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0352] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0353] In addition, the functional modules in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing module, or each module can exist physically separately, or two or more modules can be integrated into one module.

[0354] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a portion of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0355] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A network coding method, characterized by, The method comprises: A session management function (SMF) entity acquires first time information; The SMF entity sends first indication information to a user plane function (UPF) entity, the first indication information comprising the first time information, the first indication information being used to determine a critical time of each data packet in at least one data packet sent by a first end station, the critical time being used to indicate a latest waiting time for network coding of the each data packet.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The first time information comprises burst arrival time (BAT), packet delay budget (PDB), and a period T of data packet sent by the first end station, the BAT being used to indicate a time when a first data packet in the at least one data packet leaves a first terminal device, and the PDB being used to indicate a delay budget of data packets in a quality of service (QoS) flow between the first terminal device and the UPF entity.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein, A critical time of an Nth data packet in the at least one data packet = the BAT + the PDB + (N-1)*T, wherein N is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein, The first time information comprises a sending time of a first data packet in the at least one data packet, a delay threshold, and a period T of data packet sent by the first end station, the delay threshold indicating an upper limit of delay of data packets from the first end station to a second end station.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein, The SMF entity acquires first time information, comprising: The SMF entity receives the first time information sent by a centralized network configuration controller (CNC).

6. The method of claim 4 or 5, wherein, A critical time of an Mth data packet in the at least one data packet = the sending time of the first data packet + the delay threshold / 2 + (M-1)*T, wherein M is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

7. A network coding method characterized by, The method comprises: A user plane function (UPF) entity receives first indication information sent by a session management function (SMF) entity, the first indication information comprising first time information; The UPF entity determines a critical time of each data packet in at least one data packet sent by a first end station according to the first time information; The UPF entity performs network coding on the each data packet according to the critical time.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein, The first time information comprises burst arrival time (BAT), packet delay budget (PDB), and a period T of data packet sent by the first end station, the BAT being used to indicate a time when a first data packet in the at least one data packet leaves a first terminal device, and the PDB being used to indicate a delay budget of data packets in a quality of service (QoS) flow between the first terminal device and the UPF entity.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein, A critical time of an Nth data packet in the at least one data packet = the BAT + the PDB + (N-1)*T, wherein N is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

10. The method of claim 7, wherein, The first time information comprises a sending time of a first data packet in the at least one data packet, a time delay threshold value and a period T of sending data packets by the first End Station, and the time delay threshold value represents an upper limit of time delay of data packets from the first End Station to the second End Station.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein, A critical time of an Mth data packet in the at least one data packet = a sending time of the first data packet + the time delay threshold value / 2 + (M-1)*T, wherein M is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

12. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein, The UPF entity performing network coding on each data packet according to the critical time comprises: When a time when an ith data packet in the at least one data packet sent by the first End Station waits for a data packet of the second End Station to arrive does not exceed a critical time of the ith data packet, the UPF entity performs network coding on the ith data packet and the data packet of the second End Station, wherein i is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

13. A network coding apparatus, characterized by comprising: The apparatus comprises a processor and a memory, the memory is used to store a computer program, and the processor executes the computer program to enable the apparatus to perform the method in any one of claims 1-6 or any one of claims 7-12.

14. A chip, characterized by The chip is a chip in a network coding apparatus, the chip comprises a processor and an input interface and an output interface connected to the processor, and the chip further comprises a memory, when a computer program in the memory is executed, the method in any one of claims 1-6 or any one of claims 7-12 is executed.

15. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, A computer program product for storing a computer program, when the computer program is executed on a computer, enables the computer to perform the method in any one of claims 1-6 or any one of claims 7-12.

16. A computer program product, characterised in that, The computer program product comprises a computer program, when the computer program is executed on a computer, enables the computer to perform the method in any one of claims 1-6 or any one of claims 7-12.

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